House Committee to Scrutinize President Boakai’s Spending Request

The House Ways, Means and Finance Committee of the House of Representatives in Liberia has been tasked to examine the rationale behind President Joseph Nyumah Boakai’s request to spend US$41 million for the month of February, pending the submission and approval of the 2024 annual budget by the legislature.

The committee was given the assignment on Thursday, February 15, 2024, after the House unanimously agreed to deliberate on the President’s communication. The President explained that his request was based on the fact that the draft 2024 budget was recalled and is being revised for resubmission, and that the government needs to continue its operations to avoid a shutdown.

However, some observers have raised concerns that the Boakai administration has been spending public funds without budgetary appropriation and approval, as required by law, for more than 25 days since the inauguration.

The House Ways, Means and Finance Committee is expected to report to the plenary in two weeks, after reviewing the details of the President’s request, which amounts to US$41,300,000.00.

By Abraham Multimedia Kollie @ abrahamkollie@gmail.com